Charity gets mental health support boost

Specialist child exploitation charity Safe and Sound has been awarded £75,000 to provide mental health support to children and young people across the city and county.

The funding is being provided by the UK Youth Fund – Thriving Minds, a new programme being delivered by national youth work charity UK Youth.

Safe and Sound will use the money over the next three years to expand and embed youth work and positive activities for young people, ranging from cultural and sporting activities to outreach and team building.

Chief executive Tracy Harrison said: “The impact of child exploitation on the young person and their whole family can be devastating and take a particular toll on mental wellbeing.

“The activities supported by this funding are, therefore, designed to boost self-confidence and self-esteem – making young people stronger and more resilient to come to terms with their experiences and move forward positively with their lives.”